GAA and Musco partnership to support underage talent squads in every county
In attendance during the recent GAA and Musco Youth Partnership launch are, backrow from left, Musco Lighting Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Chris Limpach, GAA Director of Coaching Games Development Shane Flanagan, Uachtarán Tofa Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Derek Kent, Daisy McSherry, Sam McSherry, Tommy Walsh, Musco Lighting Chief Executive, Jeff Rogers, Lisa Walsh, GAA Head of Hurling Willie Maher, and Musco Lighting Ireland Sales, Neil McSherry, McSherry Electrical with front row Caoimhe O'Riordan, left, and Eanna O'Riordan, at Croke Park in Dublin.
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has announced a new youth development partnership with Musco Lighting which will support underage Talent Academy squads established in every county and new supports introduced to expand participation in hurling and football across Ireland.
The multi-year partnership, represents an investment in youth development programmes, equipment and coaching support, aimed at county-based U14–U16 Talent Academy Squads in both football and hurling.
The academies will support the development of young players as they progress through club and school competitions, complementing the GAA’s existing Games Development structures and pathways.
The initiative will ensure talented young players in every county have access to structured coaching, development opportunities and high-quality games environments designed to help them realise their potential while also fostering lifelong connections with Gaelic games.
GAA President Jarlath Burns said: “This partnership with Musco Lighting represents a significant investment in the future of Gaelic games. By supporting the development of our young players through Talent Academies and providing clubs with the resources to grow hurling at grassroots level, we are strengthening the pathways that allow every child in Ireland the opportunity to learn our games, build confidence, and remain connected to their communities for life.”
The partnership will also support the growth of hurling in emerging areas by providing hurling development packs to clubs that wish to introduce or expand underage hurling programmes. The packs will be distributed to clubs nationwide and will include hurley, helmets, sliotars, cones and other equipment designed to support child-centred games and coaching.
The initiative was officially launched at Croke Park on 15 March, where guests attended youth talent academy matches in football and hurling and a Q&A session featuring Tyrone football legend Peter Canavan and Wexford hurler Lee Chin.
Also in attendance were Uachtarán Tofa Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Derek Kent, Micheál Martin, Chairman of the GAA's National Games Development Committee and Conor O'Donoghue of the GAA DCCC, Musco Chief Executive Officer Jeff Rogers, and Musco Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa Business Chris Limpach.
Musco have worked with GAA Units for more than 20 years to improve GAA facilities across Ireland, including the installation of advanced LED pitch lighting at hundreds of club grounds, Centres of Excellence and major venues such as Croke Park, Aviva Stadium and Chadwick's Wexford Park.
Chris Limpach, Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa Business at Musco, said:
“At Musco, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate in sport through access to high-quality facilities and programmes, and the GAA has long been a global leader in putting young people first.
We are proud to expand our partnership to support the next generation of players and help create opportunities for young people across Ireland to build character, confidence and lifelong connections through Gaelic games.”